US Intensifies Military Campaign Against Yemen’s Houthis Amid Shipping Threats
The US has committed to airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis until shipping attacks stop. The campaign has resulted in significant casualties, and the Houthis threaten to escalate conflict. Iran warns against escalation while the UN calls for restraint amid humanitarian crises. The situation disrupts global trade and emphasizes the need for diplomatic efforts.
The United States has committed to continuing its airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis until the group ceases its attacks on global shipping. This operation represents the largest US military endeavor in the Middle East since the Trump administration began. Recent strikes led to significant casualties, with the Houthi-run health ministry reporting 53 fatalities, including civilians, while a US official indicated that these operations may extend over weeks.
In response to the US strikes, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced that his forces would target US vessels in the Red Sea. He declared, “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation.” The political bureau of the Houthi movement condemned the US actions as a “war crime,” and Western allies, including Russia, have urged an end to hostilities.
The Houthis indicated they had previously targeted the USS Harry S. Truman and its accompanying warships. However, US officials reported that their forces intercepted 11 Houthi drones, asserting that there was no immediate threat to the aircraft carrier. The US Department of Defense has emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure safe navigation in vital waterways, linking the threat to broader Iranian support for the Houthis.
It has been noted that the Houthis resumed threats against Israeli shipping as tensions escalated following recent conflicts involving Israel and Hamas. Relevant US officials have underscored Iran’s role in enabling the Houthi military activities, cautioning that they might be held accountable for future attacks.
Iran responded sternly to US actions, asserting that the Houthis made independent choices regarding military engagement. Iranian officials warned of decisive repercussions if threats against them were pursued further. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General called for restraint, citing the potential for exacerbated violence to destabilize the region further, impacting an already critical humanitarian situation.
Reports revealed that the casualties included women and children, and local residents described the strikes in Sanaa and Taiz as devastating, intensifying fears among the population. Meanwhile, disruptions in global trade routes have been caused by the Houthi attacks on shipping, which have prompted the US military to intervene more actively. The Houthis had briefly paused their campaign during a ceasefire but reaffirmed their threats amid perceived inaction on the humanitarian front regarding Gaza.
The escalating conflict between the United States and Yemen’s Houthis continues to gather intensity, with US airstrikes aimed at curbing attacks on maritime trade routes. The Houthi leadership’s responses indicate a willingness to retaliate if US strikes persist. The cycle of violence threatens stability in Yemen and raises concerns about global commerce, insisting on urgent diplomatic dialogue to avoid further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
